The Mile High Madness

by Anders, Annabelle

  “Walk slowly, Stella. Talk to her. Let her know you’re here. You don’t want to startle a horse – ever.” He took the covering from her and draped it along Pickles’ back – all the while seeming to sooth the horse with his hands and his voice.

  “The blanket – It goes under the saddle?” She felt foolish, but genuinely wanted to learn how to do this.

  “Yep.” He flashed a grin over his shoulder at her. “That’s why we call it a saddle blanket.”

  “Har har.” She stepped into the stall. “Can she feel if I’m afraid, like how Red could?” Not that Pickles looked dangerous, but even as a small horse she seemed so… big.

  And then the warmth of Peyton’s body pressed against her back. He’d taken hold of her from behind and eased her closer to the horse. “Pickles, meet Stella, Stella, say hello to Pickles.” Peyton’s chest vibrated as he spoke.

  Taking hold of Stella’s hand, he lifted it to the horse’s neck. She could have done this herself but for now she kind of just enjoyed Peyton’s touch. “Hey Pickles.” She brushed her hand along the coarse hair of the horse’s mane. “You and I are gonna be great friends.”

  “That’s the way. Just like how you were with Red.” Warmth filled her at his simple praise. She continued rubbing Pickles while Peyton turned to lift a saddle off one of the side enclosures. “Look here, Pickles. Let’s get you saddled up.”

  Peyton explained the cinch to her, and then the breast collar and the stirrups. “I’m never gonna remember all of this.”

  He then tightened what she thought must be the last strap before standing up again. “That’s all right. Gotta start somewhere.”

  “Is that it?” Stella stepped away and hugged herself. Even when she’d participated in the trail rides, she’d found mounting the horse to be daunting.

  After storing a few water bottles, and part of their lunch in one of the saddlebags, Peyton studied her critically. “One more thing.” He disappeared for a minute and then popped back in. Before she could see what he held, he’d dropped something on top of her head.

  “A cowboy hat?” She felt a little ridiculous. She’d slathered on the sunscreen before leaving the house.

  Peyton adjusted the brim and snugged it down a little more. “That sun can be brutal out there. And besides,” he tucked some stray hairs behind her ear. “You look cute wearing my hat.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  They cut behind the house to a well beaten path through the meadow. Corinne lead the way, with Misty sitting in front of her, Stella was next, and Peyton brought up the rear. As they set out, Peyton called instructions to Stella and she settled into the saddle down the trail with more confidence. Pickles turned when she eased the reins to one side or another and she stopped when she pulled back and said whoa. Stella tugged on her hat to hide her smile when Pickles responded to her commands.

  She almost felt like a real live cowgirl, what with the hat and everything. Now all she needed was a good pair of cowboy boots.

  She could almost forget about Corinne’s illness.

  Watching Misty ride with her mom’s arms wrapped around her gave Stella’s heart a tug. She knew Misty could ride on her own. She’d seen plenty of photographs of Misty participating in some local competitions even.

  Corinne must have needed this today. But it was good. When they left the meadow behind, entering a more forested area, the trail began to climb. Pinyon Pine and sage scented the air and sunlight flickered on the aspen leaves. Stella could hear Peyton behind her on his beast of a horse, Hermes. A black gelding, so black he almost looked blue standing in the sunlight.

  Misty made up most of the conversation as the horses trod along. “Knock, knock!” She called back to Stella.

  “Who’s there?”

  “Cow says.”

  Stella smiled and called back “Cow says who?”

  And then she heard a burst of giggles. “No Silly! Cow says Moo!”

  This went on and on, each of them making up an original version of the joke. Until gradually a comfortable silence fell. For the first time since she’d taken Corinne’s call, Stella felt herself relax.

  When they finally emerged from the trees, Stella caught her breath. From this vantage point she could see the peaks rising above them and the valley below. All sizes of rocks littered the ground with patches of green somehow establishing themselves in between.

  Suddenly she felt like singing. Like running. She’d always loved hiking but hadn’t gone much in the past few years. And being atop the horse felt different. She didn’t realize she’d stopped until Peyton rode up beside her.

  “You doing okay?” He handed her his water bottle. “Don’t forget to hydrate.”

  Stella took the bottle from him gratefully. “This is incredible. I feel so friggin’ insignificant.”

  She handed back the bottle feeling a little self-conscious.

  But he didn’t laugh at her. “I never get tired of it. The open space, the sky. But it can also be dangerous if it turns on you. Don’t come up here alone, okay? Storms move in quickly. If you don’t know what you’re doing you can find yourself in trouble real fast.” He rubbed Hermes’ neck fondly. “Hell, you can get into trouble even when you do know what you’re doing.”

  Stella shivered at his words and watched Corinne and Misty disappear over the rise up ahead. “Two sides to every coin.”

  He wouldn’t say anything. He’d think her words over first.

  And then Hermes sidled up beside her, pressing her leg into Pickles. Peyton’s hand grasped the back of her neck and… finally.

  Her hat tumbled down her back at the same time Peyton’s mouth covered hers. At first it was just their lips, meeting, joining, but then the tip of his tongue coaxed her mouth open and she couldn’t help but drop her reins and take hold of Peyton’s wrists. A current of emotions swept through her as she twisted to meet him.

  He slowed the kiss. “Easy girl.” He whispered against her lips. Stella felt Peyton set the reins back into her hands before Hermes stepped away.

  “Hey!” Corinne’s voice carried down the hill. “You two coming?”

  Somehow, without thinking, Stella urged Pickles forward and they moved up the path again. Or maybe Pickles did it all on her own. Stella had no idea.

  Had Corinne seen them?

  She touched her lips. They ought to be burning but they felt the same as always. She trailed her hand down her chin and then rested it on her pounding heart. She wondered that it didn’t leap right out.

  What had that been all about? She’d almost clawed her way on top of him. If the horses hadn’t rattled, she might have done something reckless.

  Pickles no longer felt comfortable beneath her. She needed to relax again.

  No kiss had left her feeling this way in… forever. And it had been short – not even thirty seconds. But that didn’t matter.

  It was just Peyton – something about Peyton’s Kiss.

  Peyton snatched his hat off the ground and brushed at the dirt. He hadn’t planned that. But he’d been watching her from behind for over an hour and…. All kinds of urges had plagued him. She’d confessed to not knowing how to ride but within minutes sat atop her horse real well.

  He’d watched that black silky hair, tied back, swinging whenever she’d turn her head. She sat proud, holding her shoulders back, relaxing in her seat. Every now and then she’d lean forward and reach around to reassure Pickles.

  Seeing the awe on her face when they emerged from the trees, he’d been poleaxed. The pure appreciation for nature and beauty and everything he loves, … that kind of pretty on a woman he doubted he had ever seen.

  He wished they’d been alone. He wished he could have pulled her off the horse and dragged her onto some grass…

  But they’d already discussed this, sort of. Last night she’d said she didn’t want to get involved with him because of Corinne.

  Shit.

  Still holding Stella’s hat, he swung himself back onto Hermes and urged the great horse fo
rward. She’d ridden on. Had he spooked her?

  Shit.

  Peyton caught up with her all too easily. She had to have heard him but didn’t look back.

  Corinne and Misty were waiting on the ridge, watching them. Stella sat up straight, not nearly as comfortable as she’d been earlier. Should he apologize? Except he didn’t want to apologize. Hell, he wanted to do it again.

  It wasn’t like she’d fought him off. No, she’d been into it.

  The trail fanned out so he urged up beside her and dropped the hat on her head.

  Pink tinged her creamy complexion. “You did put sunscreen on this morning, didn’t you?” He didn’t want her to suffer a burn.

  “A gallon of it.”

  His mind backtracked to the taste of her lips. “Well put some more on. You’re burning.”

  That proud back stiffened even further. He ought to have known Stella Fairchild didn’t like being told what to do.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Don’t be stubborn about this. It may feel cooler up here but the sun’s rays are hotter.” He reached into one of his saddlebags. “Here.”

  She glanced over with those cool grey eyes.

  And then slapped her hand at the sunscreen and swiped it out of his hand.

  “Fine.”

  He couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you want me to apologize?” Was he willing to? He didn’t like saying things he didn’t mean.

  “No.”

  “Well good then.”

  “You guys are slow pokes!” Misty’s voice stopped him from saying anything else.

  Corinne and Misty both stood on the ground while Corinne’s horse grazed on some grass. “Should we go all the way to the river?” Corinne looked flushed herself. She’d want to make this a memorable ride for Misty. And for her friend.

  Pickle’s head dropped down to eat too. “Pull her head up, Stella. That’s a bad habit for a horse to get into.” Stella did as he said. And then shifted as though experiencing some stiffness.

  “I don’t know about going much farther. I’m already feeling muscles I haven’t used in years. It’s incredible right here.” Stella spoke casually.

  So, she had seen the tension around Corinne’s eyes.

  “I’m hungry!” Misty tugged at her mother. “Let’s get the food out, Mom.”

  Peyton swung his leg around and hopped onto the ground as well. He didn’t want Corinne tiring herself out, so he began pulling out the picnic they’d brought. They could eat, sit around for a little while and then head back down.

  “Tell me how to get off this thing again.” Stella remained seated. “I never quite figured this part out.”

  Before he could get over there Corinne tried to instruct her, but clearly failed. Both started giggling when Stella somehow ended up sliding off and landing almost on top of Corinne.

  When he looked over at Misty, he almost laughed out loud. She thought it was great fun to see her Aunty Stella hanging off the side of a horse. “Come help me set up, Misty Monster.” He tossed the checkered tablecloth her way.

  “Mom seems happy today.” She spread the cloth out carefully and sat down. Her eyes never left her mother for long though. This wasn’t the first time he’d seen worry in those expressive little eyes. Peyton threw the leather pouch on the ground and sat beside her.

  “She loves it out here, especially when she’s with you.” A piece of his heart broke off just thinking about what might happen….

  “I know she’s sick. I know she’s real sick.” Misty crawled over and sat in his lap. “That’s why Stella came, I think. Cause Stella never came here before. And now Mom looks all skinny and sad and Stella’s here.”

  Peyton settled her in comfortably and opened the bag. “Do you want PBJ or turkey?” He felt his jaw clench. Goddamn cancer. “Maybe Stella just finally got smart.”

  Misty seemed to think about this for a minute and then reached for one of the smashed peanut butter and jelly concoctions. “Is Mom gonna die?”

  Panic swept through him. Corinne and Stella were still laughing as they retrieved the rations kept on Pickles. This wasn’t the conversation he was supposed to have. He and Corinne had planned it all out. They’d wait until after the treatments were underway.

  But he couldn’t lie. “We’re all gonna die someday, sweetheart.”

  Misty took a bite and snuggled into him. She wasn’t normally this cuddly when she could be running or jumping or doing all the other things little girls liked to do. “I know, Uncle Pay.”

  “Tell me what you learned in school this week. Are you smarter than me yet?” This evoked a little giggle.

  “I’ve been smarter than you since I was four.” She laughed some more at her own joke. God, he loved this kid.

  “Are you two eating without us?” Corinne eased onto the blanket gingerly and then lay on her back, looking up at the sky. Stella watched her friend with a tender expression.

  “This kid says she’s smarter than me.” He set the bag of sandwiches aside. “What do you think of that?”

  “I’d say she’s right.” Corinne, of course, could never pass up such an opening.

  Stella took her seat in the only spot left – unless she wanted to sit on the grass – right next to him and Misty.

  “Stella’s smarter than you, too.” Misty didn’t want to drop this topic of conversation. Knowing he’d catch her, she threw her weight toward Stella. “Aren’t you?”

  This gave him a perfect excuse to look directly at her. She flicked her hat back a little and narrowed her eyes at him teasingly. “Oh, I don’t know about that. Your Uncle Pay can be pretty wily.”

  Corinne turned her head in their direction. “Oh really? How so?”

  Stella smiled secretively and hugged her knees beneath her chin. “Well, for one thing, he tricked me into falling in love…with Red.”

  For all of half a second his heart jumped into his throat.

  “Aw, that’s nothing. Everybody falls in love with Red.” Misty rolled off him and grabbed a bottle of water.

  Stella pulled out a sandwich and tossed it to Corinne. “Eat.” It felt good to have somebody else nagging his sister about this.

  But Corinne didn’t grab the sandwich. Her hands were clutching her abdomen and her eyes squeezed shut.

  Stella glanced over at him and then crawled across to Corinne. “You okay, sweetie?” She brushed a few strands of hair away from Corinne’s face.

  And then his sister, the tomboy, the toughest girl he’d ever known, rolled onto her side and moaned. “I think I need to go home.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The hair on the back of Stella’s neck stood straight up at Corinne’s admission. In all the years they’d known one another she’d never heard her friend cry out in pain like that. She wanted to throw her onto the horse and get her to the hospital now, this very second.

  But the ride down was steep in places and Misty looked scared to death.

  Peyton sat beside them now with his hand rubbing Corinne’s arm. “Breathe deep, sweetheart. Nice deep breaths. In and out. In and out.” He ran his hand along her thin forearm in a steady even rhythm. Corinne nodded weakly and did exactly as he said. Something about his voice brought a calm to Stella as well.

  They waited a few minutes until Corinne seemed to quiet and then Peyton met Stella’s eyes. “Pack everything up.” And then looking to Corinne. “Let’s get you home, Crin. Let’s get you up on Taco and I’ll lead us out.

  Stella moved quickly, terrified for Corinne – and for Misty – and for Peyton.

  She couldn’t get upset though. She needed to be the adult. She stuffed the food and wrappings hastily into the saddlebags and then crawled over to Misty. Misty’s tiny body trembled in her arms.

  “Can you sit up?” Peyton had one arm wrapped around his sister now. “I’m gonna put you up on Taco. You just need to hold on.”

  “Misty?” Corinne’s voice sounded weak.

  “Stella’s here. She’ll take Misty down on Pickles.”r />
  Corinne’s eyes fluttered and then she made a barely perceptible nod.

  Stella watched as Peyton checked a few straps on Taco’s Saddle. He placed the reins in Corinne’s hands, curling his fingers over hers as he did so. He moved efficiently but worry etched his forehead.

  “Do you need help?” Stella didn’t want to let go of Misty but would help him if he needed her.

  He led Taco closer to Pickles. Corinne sat bent forward, pale as a sheet.

  Peyton took hold of the smaller horse and gestured to Misty. “Come on kiddo.” Misty obediently allowed her uncle Pay to swing her onto Stella’s horse. Confident Misty was settled, he then turned toward Stella.

  Determined not to be a liability, she lifted her foot into the stirrup and with Peyton’s assistance, managed to climb on behind Misty.

  Stella squeezed Misty tightly and took hold of the reins.

  Peyton touched her leg. “She’s gonna be okay.” He seemed so in control. If he was panicking inside, he hid it much better than she could. “Pickles will follow just like when we came up. Take it slow. Don’t try anything fancy.”

  Stella nodded confidently. “I promise. Slow.”

  His gaze was approving. And as though they’d known one another far longer than one day, they seemed to give each other strength.

  And then he turned, mounted Hermes in one effortless motion and they headed down the mountain.

  “Mama won’t fall off, will she Stella?” Brokenhearted tears pulled Stella’s attention back to the child who stood to lose the most right now. What could she tell her?

  “Your mama? Fall off a horse?” She wrapped Misty in a tight hug as they followed Peyton and Corinne across to the path. When they entered the trees again, the slope dipped. It seemed steeper going down somehow.

  “Lean back on the downhill parts!” Misty told her. “Don’t be afraid. The horses have done this before.”

  Stella was grateful for clear weather, but even more grateful for Misty’s grit. She had so much of her mom in her.

  And all the way down she chanted a prayer in her heart.